Fitness fiends on TikTok have latched onto a new obsession — the walking pad treadmill. If you’ve seen TikTok videos of attractive influencers walking on a treadmill tucked under their desk, that’s a walking pad. These compact and foldable treadmills let you get your steps in while working from home, and they’ve become one of the top fitness trends of the year.
When it comes to staying active or working out, it’s amazing how the time you set aside for exercise seems to disappear. Yes, there are days when this disappearance may be more intentional than accidental. But if you’re anything like us, the truth is that you’d appreciate an easier way to integrate a calorie-burning workout into your day without having to juggle time you just don’t have.
This is where the best walking pad treadmills enter the equation. Not only do they let you perform belly fat-fighting walking workouts, but they also let you do them without having to leave your home or office.
But what is a walking pad treadmill, exactly?
A walking pad is a type of treadmill designed with walking workouts in mind. WalkingPad also refers to a specific brand, which makes some of the most popular walking treadmills. (You may have seen folding WalkingPad treadmills go viral recently on social media.) Unlike more traditional treadmills, which allow jogging or high-speed running, most walking pads only let users walk, and some are powered by the movement of the user’s walking intertia alone.
If you’re searching for the best walking pad treadmill for your home or gym, we’ve gathered the top options below. These include the best WalkingPad products as well as low-priced alternatives from lesser-known brands.
What Is the Difference Between a Treadmill and a Walking Pad?
Walking pads are a type of treadmill designed for slower speeds and easy storage. A type of walking treadmill, the best walking pads are designed to slip easily under a standing desk. Most traditional-style treadmills allow users to choose between walking, jogging, or running, while walking pads are usually made for the sole purpose of walking.
In terms of their advantages over traditional treadmills, the best walking pad treadmills tend to be more compact and easy to store, most commonly sporting foldable or ultra-thin designs. They are also far easier to integrate into daily life, whether that’s at the office or at home. Finally, most WalkingPad treadmills are much more affordable compared to high-tech smart treadmills from brands like Bowflex, Peloton, or Nordictrack.
What to Consider Before Buying a Walking Pad Treadmill
Perhaps the most prominent question to answer before you invest in one of the best walking pad treadmills is whether or not it’s the right kind of treadmill for your needs. In terms of convenience, a walking pad treadmill is hard to beat. However, if you’re training for a race and really looking to put in some miles, they won’t be a good fit.
To help ensure a walking pad treadmill is right for you, we’ve provided an overview of the different types of treadmills available below.
- Traditional Treadmill: The best treadmills provide a greater variety of workouts than other, more specialist treadmills. These devices allow users to choose between running or walking and usually feature large displays, powerful motors, and user-friendly designs which help you stay as comfortable as possible when putting the miles in.
- Quiet Treadmill: If you’re going to be working out in a place with a sleeping baby, someone watching TV, or just a lot of people who won’t necessarily appreciate the constant sound of a treadmill droning away, you may want to opt for one of the best quiet treadmills. These low-decibel devices have shock-absorbing elements and quiet motors.
- Folding Treadmill: The best foldable treadmills are ideal for homes or offices which don’t have space to waste. Sporting smart designs which fold up or fold over, these devices are far more easily stored under beds or couches, beside furniture, or even moving between rooms or homes. Many walking pads also feature a foldable design.
- Walking Pad Treadmill: Walking pad treadmills (including WalkingPad products) are made for users who have walking in mind. These devices are much less bulky than traditional treadmills, making them easier to store. They may also be a good choice for seniors, or people with limited mobility.
- Under-Desk Treadmill: As the name suggests, the best under-desk treadmills are made with office workouts in mind. This means you can be typing, in a meeting, or sorting through that pile of paperwork while you’re burning calories at the same time. Typically, under-desk treadmills, walking treadmills, and walking pads all refer to the same family of products.
It’s definitely worth noting that many of the above treadmill types actually overlap with one another, and the exact model to suit your needs may fall into more than just one of the above categories.
If you’re ready to get in some low-intensity, calorie-burning workouts at home or the office, scroll down to discover our top nine picks for the best walking pad treadmills available online.
1. WalkingPad R2 Walk&Run 2-in-1 Foldable Treadmill
BEST OVERALL
The WalkingPad R2 Walk&Run 2-in-1 Foldable Treadmill is a popular device that lets users choose between either walking or running. When in running mode, it offers speeds up to 6.2 mph, while the walking function offers a maximum of 3.7 mph, or the option to control the speed through your steps alone. The treadmill also sports a unique 180-degree folding design minimizing the amount of space it takes up and making it especially easy to store. You can also keep track of your time, speed, steps, and calories burned through the built-in digital monitor or the KS Fit smartphone app. Additionally, this compact treadmill includes an adjustable handrail with a built-in smartphone holder.
2. WalkingPad P1 Foldable Walking Treadmill
RUNNER UP
If you’re looking for a walking pad treadmill at a slightly more affordable price, definitely check out WalkingPad’s P1 Foldable Walking Treadmill. At under $500, this walking pad has plenty to offer, even when compared to the WalkingPad R2, including a compact and foldable design, foot-sensing speed control, and an accompanying remote control. When folded down, the treadmill requires less than 0.5 square meters of storage space, meaning it won’t be in the way when it’s not being used. For greater comfort and protection when walking, the device’s band includes a layer of impact-absorbing EVA.
3. WalkingPad X21 Double-Fold Treadmill
BEST SPLURGE
While it may be the most expensive device on our list, this WalkingPad X21 Double-Fold Treadmill is definitely the most splurge-worthy. Firstly, the treadmill incorporates award-winning, double-fold technology that makes it easier to store than your average walking pad treadmill. Secondly, the adjustable handrail features a hidden LED screen that displays your time, distance, calorie count, and current speed. Lastly, it comes with an accompanying app for real-time data along with tons of positive reviews from existing WalkingPad owners.
If you want the best Walking Pad treadmill and you have the money to spend, this is it. In addition to the sleek design and display, the X21 also reaches a top speed of 7.5 miles per hour, which means it can be used for both walking and running.
4. SuperFit 2-in-1 Folding Treadmill
BEST SELLER
If space is at a premium in your home and you need a treadmill that can fit into tight spaces, you may want to check out the SuperFit 2-in-1 Folding Treadmill, which is available under several different brand names, including Costway and Goplus. As of this writing, it’s the #1 best selling treadmill on Amazon, and it’s a budget-friendly option for people who want to spend under $350 on a walking treadmill.
When folded down, the device is around five inches thick, making it easier to store under a bed or sofa. The 2-in-1 treadmill also features a built-in Bluetooth speaker that lets you connect your device wirelessly to enjoy your favorite music, without the worry of getting tangled in hanging wires. Finally, it has a five-layer belt that’s both non-slip and shock-absorbing.
5. UREVO 2-in-1 Under Desk Treadmill
BUDGET PICK
If you’re searching for the best walking pad treadmill to fit under your existing standing desk, this UREVO Under Desk Treadmill could be what you’re looking for. The 2-in-1 device allows you to choose between walking or running, and also includes a rotatable handrail that can be raised to provide extra support. For added joint protection and comfort while walking, the treadmill has eight built-in shock absorbers and a five-layer, non-slip running belt. Additionally, it features a phone/pad holder, comes with a safety lock and remote control, and measures six inches in height when folded flat.
6. WalkingPad C2 Walking Treadmill
ALSO CONSIDER
It’s not surprise that the best walking pad treadmills come from WalkingPad itself, like the WalkingPad C2 treadmill. Slightly more expensive than the similar C1 model, the C2 comes in multiple colors and features EVA cushioning on the belt for a softer impact and less pressure on your ankles. Like the other walking pad treadmills on our list, it folds 180-degrees for easy storage and has an intelligent speed adjustment system — simply move up or down the belt to adjust the speed. Unlike the more expensive WalkingPad X21, there’s no display to track your steps, but an accompanying WalkingPad app lets you keep track as you go.
7. GOYOUTH Motorized Exercise Machine
BEST SPEAKERS
By including a remote control with an accompanying wrist lanyard, the GOYOUTH Motorized Exercise Machine makes changing settings simple. The handrail-free treadmill — which can accommodate up to 220 pounds and comes in four colors — includes a clear display so you can easily see your time, distance, and calories while moving. Alongside it, you’ll also find speakers that can be wirelessly connected to a smartphone through Bluetooth technology, allowing you to set a soundtrack to your workout.
8. WalkingPad A1 Pro Foldable Treadmill
EASIEST TO STORE
WalkingPad’s range of walking pads is known for its smart, user-friendly design, and the WalkingPad A1 Pro Foldable Treadmill is no exception. With its unique foldability, low-decibel operation, and clear digital monitor, this is a device that ticks the right boxes for a wide range of users. Perhaps the best of all its positives is its size, measuring an impressively compact 4.7 inches in thickness when folded down. In addition, matrix LED lamp beads in the top-end display let you clearly read your time, speed, distance, calories, and number of steps during a workout.
9. ANCHEER 2-in-1 Folding Walking Machine
HONORABLE MENTION
The ANCHEER 2-in-1 Folding Walking Machine is another budget-friendly device on our list. It’s one of the best walking treadmills for working from home, and despite the low price, it can still reach a maximum speed of 7.5 mph (the walking function maxes out at 4 mph). For ease of control, users can pick between the built-in buttons, a supplied wrist control, or a smartphone app to change settings. Furthermore, the treadmill is fitted with a 2.25 horsepower motor that provides impressive power at a surprisingly low noise level.